Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Although Ming Zhu’s cooking skills were not very good, she handled salads, which required no technical expertise, with ease. She cut fresh fruits into chunks and cubes, added some nuts, and finally poured in yogurt. She easily prepared a colorful, nutritious, and refreshing dinner.

Yu Jing picked up the glass bowl, leaned forward, kissed Ming Zhu on the face, and said with a cheerful smile, “Sister, you are so virtuous and amazing, truly a perfect, all-capable girlfriend!”

“…” Ming Zhu did not know where Yu Jing learned these words. She felt a bit helpless at the exaggerated description. She flicked Yu Jing’s smooth forehead with her finger, her smile full of indulgence, and said, “Stop talking nonsense and eat first.”

Three staggered pendant lights hung overhead, their warm glow gently outlining a cozy space. They sat face-to-face at a small square table, enjoying dinner.

Yu Jing held a silver spoon, scooped a big bite, and put it in her mouth. She chewed slowly with half-closed eyes. The sweetness of the fruit balanced the tartness of the yogurt, and the crunch of the nuts added texture. The mix of flavors greatly satisfied her taste buds.

She ate one bite after another, unable to stop. Her small mouth was stuffed full, and she swayed her head, looking like a cute little hamster.

Ming Zhu noticed a ring of milk foam on Yu Jing’s lips that she hadn’t realized. Ming Zhu reached over, gently wiped along Yu Jing’s lip line with her thumb, and paused when she felt a wet warmth.

Yu Jing was eating with relish when she felt an unusual sensation on her lips. She instinctively licked with her tongue and unexpectedly touched Ming Zhu’s finger.

Both of them froze at the same time, staring blankly at each other.

A moment passed.

Ming Zhu slightly curved her lips, looked at Yu Jing’s wide eyes, and said softly, “Your mouth is dirty.”

“Oh…” Yu Jing’s gaze shifted slightly. She glanced at the tissue box nearby and wanted to grab it, but it was a bit far, and she couldn’t seem to reach it.

Even if she could reach it, she didn’t dare move because Ming Zhu’s finger still rested on her face, the touch light and ambiguous.

The pressure of the finger was barely noticeable, yet Yu Jing felt as if someone had immobilized her. Her body stiffened, her eyes darted quickly, and her gaze finally returned to Ming Zhu’s face.

Ming Zhu’s eyes, framed by long lashes, were calm yet gentle. She focused on Yu Jing’s lips, carefully wiping away the milk foam.

Her neatly trimmed nail accidentally grazed Yu Jing’s lip, sending a tingling sensation from her lips to her entire body.

Yu Jing’s shoulders trembled slightly. She didn’t know if Ming Zhu did it on purpose. Her heart raced, her lips parted, and she nearly let out a sound.

Ming Zhu stared at Yu Jing’s slightly parted lips, catching a glimpse of the pink tip of her tongue inside. Her expression shifted subtly.

Yu Jing felt the pressure on her lips increase slightly, but not enough to hurt. Her mind wavered, and she felt restless.

She didn’t ask Ming Zhu why she didn’t use a tissue. She held her breath and waited.

After a minute, or perhaps just a few seconds, the slightly cool finger finally left her lips.

Ming Zhu leaned back, shifted her gaze from Yu Jing’s lips, smiled lightly, and said, “All done.”

…That’s it?

Yu Jing watched as Ming Zhu didn’t wipe her hand and picked up the spoon to continue eating the salad. Yu Jing felt dazed, still not fully recovered.

The spot Ming Zhu touched felt like it was burning. The ears hidden under her hair grew hot. Yu Jing quickly lowered her head, bit into a sour kiwi, and couldn’t help but wince. Her hand, hidden under the table, pinched her thigh.

In that atmosphere, she thought Ming Zhu would kiss her, but it turned out she really just wiped her mouth…

A faint sense of disappointment lingered in her heart. Yu Jing glumly stirred the food in her bowl with the spoon and silently finished the salad.

There wasn’t much to do for entertainment that evening. After eating, Yu Jing wanted to go play with Little White.

She waved a cat teaser wand back and forth. Little White pounced after it, and the two had a blast.

With a crash, the lively Little White knocked something off the coffee table. Yu Jing saw a pile of white papers with dense text and thought it was a book. She picked it up and saw the bold title “Bl00d Eyes” on the cover. Only then did she realize it was Ming Zhu’s new script.

Footsteps came from behind. Yu Jing turned and saw Ming Zhu, who had finished cleaning up in the kitchen. Yu Jing spread her hands and quickly explained, “Little White knocked it over. I just picked it up. I didn’t peek.”

Before a drama aired, its details were confidential. Although Yu Jing wasn’t an actor, she knew not to touch others’ things carelessly. She carefully placed the script back in its place.

Ming Zhu walked over slowly, glanced at the script indifferently, and touched Yu Jing’s face. She said, “I never doubted you. You don’t need to explain such small things to me in the future.”

Yu Jing felt a bit happy inside. She boldly pointed at the script and asked, “Is this the script your teacher mentioned?”

“Hmm.” Ming Zhu pulled her to sit down, picked up the script, flipped through it casually, and briefly introduced it. “It’s a story with some supernatural elements. The scale is a bit bold, so it might not air on mainstream channels. Each episodic arc is written brilliantly and gripping. I really like it. I haven’t worked on this genre before, so I want to try it.”

When Yu Jing heard “supernatural,” she shrank into Ming Zhu’s arms and shivered. She asked softly, “Is it very scary?”

Ming Zhu lowered her eyes, caught the glint in Yu Jing’s eyes, and instead of answering, asked, “Are you scared?”

Yu Jing’s fingers instinctively tugged at the clothes on Ming Zhu’s chest. She nodded eagerly.

Ming Zhu lightly pinched Yu Jing’s nose, curved her lips, and teased, “Little liar, you don’t look scared at all.”

Yu Jing blinked innocently and said, “I’m not pretending.”

Ming Zhu narrowed her eyes, her tone slow and deliberate, ruthlessly exposing her. “During the third episode of ‘Treasure Hunt,’ we filmed at an amusement park. You slept so soundly in the haunted house. Your courage is bigger than anyone’s.”

“…” Yu Jing’s eyes flickered. She rubbed her nose and said, “You still remember that.”

Ming Zhu didn’t confirm or deny it. She recalled and said, “When we were in M City, you tricked me into thinking you were afraid to sleep alone at night.”

Yu Jing’s feigned vulnerability was completely exposed. She squirmed out of Ming Zhu’s arms, her face sheepish, and said, “Since you knew I was lying, why did you comfort me over the phone for so long?”

Ming Zhu pulled her back into her arms, gazed at her fondly for a few seconds, brushed her fingers over Yu Jing’s brow, and said earnestly, “Because I hope you can trust me and rely on me, instead of carrying everything on your own.”

The embarrassment on Yu Jing’s face faded. She met Ming Zhu’s sincere eyes, her throat tightened, and she suddenly didn’t know what to say.

Forced to fend for herself before coming of age, life’s pressures made Yu Jing reluctant to show weakness. She had long been used to bearing things alone silently. She never imagined someone would say to her, “You can rely on me.”

Warmth spread from her heart to her eyes. Yu Jing’s fingers fidgeted with the clothes on Ming Zhu’s chest, unsure of what to do.

Her phone suddenly rang, breaking the awkward moment.

Yu Jing avoided Ming Zhu’s intense gaze, grabbed her phone, and saw the name flashing on the caller ID. The warmth in her eyes faded instantly, replaced by a complex emotion.

She stared at the screen, hesitant to answer, her fingers hovering.

They were close, and Ming Zhu saw the name “Wu Dan Ni” on the phone screen. She vaguely recalled Wu Dan Ni was Yu Jing’s friend. Thinking Yu Jing didn’t want to be overheard, Ming Zhu let go of her and stepped aside.

Yu Jing glanced at Ming Zhu, who had moved away, took a deep breath to calm herself, and pressed the answer button.

She put the phone to her ear but didn’t speak first.

Wu Dan Ni couldn’t hold back and called out softly, “Jingjing?”

“What’s up?” Yu Jing looked down at Little White playing with its tail, her voice soft and emotionless.

The person on the other end seemed taken aback by her distant tone. After a few seconds of silence, Wu Dan Ni said aggrievedly, “Can’t I call you for no reason?”

Yu Jing pursed her lips and didn’t respond.

Wu Dan Ni also felt the question was awkward. She laughed to ease the tension and switched to a lighter tone. “Did you sign up for ‘Youth Training Camp’ too? I saw the dance post you shared today. You danced as well as ever. I think with your skills, you’ll definitely secure a debut spot.”

In the past, Yu Jing wouldn’t have doubted Wu Dan Ni’s sincerity. Now, her heart remained unmoved.

Lifting her head, Yu Jing looked expressionlessly at a spot and said, “Dan Ni, just say what you want. No need to beat around the bush.”

The line went quiet.

Wu Dan Ni seemed to be gathering her thoughts. After a while, she got to the point. “You probably saw that our fans’ feud made it to the trending list. I think this isn’t good. I want to post a clarification. Can you cooperate and respond?”

Yu Jing knew Wu Dan Ni wouldn’t call her for no reason. Still expressionless, she said, “How do you want to clarify?”

Wu Dan Ni thought she had convinced her and spoke more cheerfully. “Everyone’s guessing we had a falling out, so I want to post a statement about our relationship to clear up the misunderstanding.”

“Is it a misunderstanding?” Yu Jing gave a faint sneer, gripped the phone tighter, and said in a colder tone, “Dan Ni, from the moment I learned you deceived me, our relationship could never go back to how it was.”

Wu Dan Ni was rendered speechless, her breathing quickened. After a long pause, she found her voice again. “I admit I was selfish… but Jingjing, didn’t you deceive me too? We were best friends, but you hid something as important as being an Omega from me. You didn’t trust me at all.”

Yu Jing suddenly wanted to laugh.

She had truly considered Wu Dan Ni her best friend. She didn’t hide her differentiation on purpose; she just hadn’t found the right time to tell her before Wu Dan Ni terminated her contract with the agency.

On the day Wu Dan Ni left, Yu Jing learned that Wu Dan Ni had lied about not wanting to form a girl group and secretly signed up for ‘Youth Training Camp’ behind her back.

Asking herself honestly, Yu Jing didn’t think she had ever done anything to wrong Wu Dan Ni. But Wu Dan Ni’s deception had genuinely hurt her.

She hurt her, yet had the audacity to turn around and accuse her. Wasn’t that laughable?

Yu Jing laughed, her laugh tinged with loneliness and sarcasm. “So, we’re just plastic sisters now. Why bother with hypocritical stuff? I don’t think a post clarification is necessary.”

“…”

Without saying “bye,” and not waiting for a response, Yu Jing hung up first, tossed the phone aside, and sank heavily into the soft couch.

The couch’s vibration startled Little White, who was dozing on the armrest. The little cat meowed.

Yu Jing turned her head and noticed Ming Zhu looking down.

Ming Zhu hadn’t even noticed Yu Jing finished her call. Her brows were furrowed as she stared at her phone.

Yu Jing petted Little White’s tail, cleared her throat, and asked, “What are you looking at?”

Ming Zhu gestured downward, revealing the phone screen’s contents.

It was a familiar post page. Ming Zhu was watching a marketing account’s dance video comparing her and Wu Dan Ni.

Ming Zhu had heard Yu Jing mention the post. Noticing Yu Jing’s unhappy demeanor and tone during the call, Ming Zhu picked up her phone and learned about the trending feud between her and Wu Dan Ni’s fans.

“This Wu Dan Ni…” Ming Zhu watched the spliced dance video on mute, lifted her eyelids, saw Yu Jing’s still somber expression, paused, and asked, “Is she your best friend?”

Yu Jing wasn’t sure if Ming Zhu overheard her conversation with Wu Dan Ni. Her brows furrowed tightly, her eyes lowered, and she said softly, “She was.” Not anymore.

Ming Zhu, affected by Yu Jing’s low mood, leaned closer, hooked a strand of Yu Jing’s hair with her finger, and looked at her gently. “Want to tell me about it?”

Half-encircled in Ming Zhu’s arms, Yu Jing let out a heavy sigh and said with a bitter smile, “I’ve known Wu Dan Ni since my debut…”

She recounted how they formed a group three years ago, how it disbanded, and how they each pursued their own paths. When she mentioned how their relationship began to crack as Wu Dan Ni’s resources improved, her throat caught.

Before she could find the right words, Ming Zhu asked, “Her resources improved because she latched onto Zhang Xu, right?”

Yu Jing’s thoughts were interrupted. She looked at Ming Zhu in a daze and said, “You…”

A flash of disdain crossed Ming Zhu’s eyes. She said, “The person I saw in A City was Wu Dan Ni.”

Ming Zhu had heard Yu Jing mention Wu Dan Ni a few times but hadn’t met her until watching the dance video just now. It clicked.

When they first went to A City to film a show, Ming Zhu had accidentally seen Wu Dan Ni with Zhang Xu. Recognizing the same bracelet, she realized she had misunderstood Yu Jing.

Yu Jing recalled the incident, paused, and sighed lightly. “From that moment, I noticed she changed.” Her eyes darkened, her voice lowered. “I thought we could still be friends, but I didn’t expect that in the face of real benefits, she’d abandon me without a trace of past affection.”

As her words fell, Ming Zhu pulled her into a tight embrace.

The tightening arms forced Yu Jing to look up, meeting Ming Zhu’s deep, calm eyes. Yu Jing felt a bit lost. “Sister, why are they all like this?”

Whether it was Zhou Yu Ying, her closest bl00d relative, or Wu Dan Ni, her best friend, why were they all so selfish?

Ming Zhu didn’t know who else “they” referred to. Seeing the tears welling in Yu Jing’s eyes, her heart twisted. She hugged Yu Jing tighter and said, “Because they don’t know how to cherish.”

What about you?

The girl’s eyes were slightly red. She didn’t cry but struggled to suppress her inner unease. Her gaze flickered, fragile as if it could shatter at a touch.

Ming Zhu hugged her tightly, gently kissed her forehead, and looked deeply at her. “I will never be like them.”

Yu Jing’s heart warmed again.

It wasn’t the most moving love confession, but in Ming Zhu’s gentle, firm tone, Yu Jing heard a cherished promise.

This summer seemed shorter than usual. August had passed its halfway mark unnoticed.

Although her teacher said she practiced very well, Yu Jing didn’t give up her daily training. With one week left until filming, the performance outfit was ready, and the designer notified her to try it on.

Yu Jing went happily.

She put on a white cropped tank top and a sleek black blazer, her slim waist exuding cool sexiness. The ultra-short hot pants made her legs look long and straight. With high-heeled combat boots, Yu Jing felt her aura was instantly commanding.

She loved the outfit, posing smugly in front of the mirror. Suddenly, she heard a staff member’s excited voice: “Miss Lin Yi!”

Yu Jing, who was making faces in the mirror, froze and instinctively turned around.

A woman dressed in designer brands walked in confidently. She was petite but had a grand presence, followed by a tall man who seemed to be her assistant. Their entrance drew everyone’s attention.

The woman removed her sunglasses, revealing her full features.

Yu Jing’s eyelids twitched.

She thought it was just a coincidence of names, but she didn’t expect to meet Lin Yi—Ming Zhu’s half-sister—here.

Yu Jing tried to pretend she didn’t see and shifted her gaze, but Lin Yi tossed her hair, spotted her, and waved brightly. “Hi!”

“…” Yu Jing didn’t know what expression to make and simply ignored her, turning back to the mirror.

Lin Yi left the staff who were warmly greeting her, took a few quick steps, and patted Yu Jing’s shoulder.

Yu Jing’s shoulders stiffened. She looked at the young lady speechlessly.

Lin Yi’s gaze was unreserved, sizing Yu Jing up several times. She asked familiarly, “Are you here to get a custom dress too?”

Yu Jing’s brows twitched slightly. She gave a perfunctory “Hmm.”

Lin Yi seemed oblivious to her disinterest. Her eyes darted around, and apart from Xiao Ye, who was curiously observing nearby, she saw no one else. Leaning close to Yu Jing’s ear, she whispered, “Did my sister come with you?”

Yu Jing quickly scanned the surroundings.

The others were busy with their tasks and probably didn’t hear.

Her gaze returned to the overly enthusiastic Lin Yi, and she said warily, “Miss Lin, do you need something?”

Lin Yi smiled and pulled out her phone. “Since you’re my sister’s girlfriend, let’s add each other on WeChat!”

“…”

Yu Jing didn’t expect her to be so direct.

Recalling Ming Zhu’s lukewarm attitude toward Lin Yi, Yu Jing stepped back subtly and said, “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Lin Yi opened her mouth, about to say something, but a voice cut in. “Miss Lin Yi, long time no see. I heard you went abroad recently?”

Yu Jing looked over and saw the studio’s designer approaching.

The designer was well-known nationally, and Lin Yi gave her face, smiling. “Yes, I went on a trip with friends.”

Yu Jing took the chance to slip away.

She thought she’d escaped, but as she was leaving, Lin Yi hurriedly chased after her and called, “Yu Jing, wait!”

Yu Jing’s ears twitched, but she didn’t stop.

Lin Yi quickened her pace, panting, and blocked Yu Jing’s path.

Yu Jing had to stop, looking at her warily.

Lin Yi, however, was carefree and enthusiastically said, “It’s rare to meet. Let me treat you to dinner!”

Yu Jing found her inexplicable. After some thought, she said politely, “Miss Lin, we’re not that close, are we? Plus, your sister said your relationship is average. I’m afraid she’d be unhappy, so dinner isn’t necessary.”

Lin Yi’s lips moved, her expression suddenly fell, and she muttered to herself, “Does my sister really hate me that much?”

Yu Jing didn’t know how to respond. She found Lin Yi a bit pitiful.

But thinking of Ming Zhu’s attitude toward her, Yu Jing couldn’t soften. She prepared to leave.

Lin Yi didn’t chase her this time, watching her back and saying in a muffled voice, “I’m not a bad person. You don’t have to be so guarded.”

Yu Jing stopped again.

As Lin Yi met her slightly suspicious gaze, she shrank back guiltily and said, “Okay, I did want to get close to you because of my sister… but I really mean no harm. I just happened to meet you and wanted to ask for a favor.”

Yu Jing tapped her foot on the ground, seemingly casual. “What favor?”

Lin Yi raised her brows and said quickly, “The day after tomorrow is my sister’s birthday. I prepared a gift for her, but every year, she refuses the ones I send. So, I was wondering if you could help me pass it to her?”

Yu Jing was stunned. “The day after tomorrow is your sister’s birthday?”

Lin Yi was even more stunned. “You didn’t know?”

Yu Jing was speechless for a moment, her nose itched, and her face felt warm.

She really didn’t know…

Lin Yi furrowed her delicate brows, crossed her arms, and looked at her disapprovingly. “Come on, you’re her girlfriend. How can you not know something as important as my sister’s birthday?”

“…” Yu Jing couldn’t muster a rebuttal.

After confirming her relationship with Ming Zhu, she got caught up in a bunch of troubles. Yu Jing was busy practicing songs and dances, focusing entirely on preparing for ‘Training Camp.’ She hadn’t thought about something as romantic as a birthday.

It was indeed her oversight.

Yu Jing smiled awkwardly, looked away, and changed the subject. “Where’s your gift?”

“I didn’t bring it this time.”

“…” Then why are you talking about it?

“That’s why I need to add you on WeChat first!”

That made sense.

Yu Jing instinctively reached for her phone and opened WeChat, then realized something was off.

Since Ming Zhu had refused Lin Yi’s birthday gifts before, she probably wouldn’t want this one either, right?

Yu Jing put her phone back, looked at Lin Yi’s expectant face, lifted her chin, and said firmly, “No need to add. If you want to give it, deliver it yourself.”

Lin Yi’s face instantly showed the disappointment of missing a fortune. She said with anguish, “How can you be like this!”

“…”

Afraid of being pestered, Yu Jing grabbed Xiao Ye and slipped away.

Xiao Ye couldn’t help but ask, “Jingjing, who is she?”

“Ming Zhu’s sister,” Yu Jing replied absentmindedly.

Xiao Ye was surprised. Lin Yi and Ming Zhu didn’t look alike and had different surnames. She asked, “Cousin?”

“Real sister.” Yu Jing had no time to explain. She pulled out her phone, searched for Ming Zhu’s personal info, and confirmed her birthday was indeed the day after tomorrow. Feeling utterly ashamed, she cut off Xiao Ye’s gossip. “Quick, help me think of what gift to give.”

“Jewelry, bags, cosmetics, skincare, perfume—those all work,” Xiao Ye listed in one breath.

Yu Jing thought for a moment and felt Xiao Ye’s suggestions lacked originality.

This was her first time celebrating Ming Zhu’s birthday. The gift should be special.

But what counted as special?

Would something special guarantee Ming Zhu would like it?

At the last moment, Yu Jing realized she didn’t know Ming Zhu well enough. She couldn’t even think of what Ming Zhu liked. Torn, she pulled out her phone.

She logged into WeChat, clicked on Ming Zhu’s pinned profile, and typed, “Is there anything you want most—”

Before she finished typing “thing,” her heart sank. She suddenly realized asking like this could easily give away her plan.

If Ming Zhu guessed she was preparing a birthday gift, where would the surprise be?

Yu Jing came to her senses, hurriedly tried to delete it, but accidentally hit the send button. In a flash, she watched the incomplete sentence go out.

She frantically tried to recall it.

Her phone buzzed, the screen flashed, and a new message popped up.

Sister: “?”

Yu Jing didn’t expect Ming Zhu to reply instantly. Her heart felt uneasy.

Her hand was quick enough; in such a short time, Ming Zhu probably didn’t see it, right?

She definitely didn’t, or it wouldn’t be just a question mark.

Clinging to her luck, Yu Jing held her phone, trying to come up with an excuse to brush it off.

Before she could type, her phone buzzed again.

Sister: “I want you the most.”

Yu Jing: …